Folie à trois is a French term that translates to "madness for three" in English. It is a rare and specific psychological disorder characterized by a shared delusion among three individuals who are in close proximity and have a significant emotional connection. This condition is also known as shared psychosis or shared delusional disorder.
In a folie à trois, the primary person experiencing the delusion, referred to as the "dominant" or "primary" party, influences the beliefs and behaviors of two other individuals, known as the "secondary" or "secondary parties". These secondary parties, even in the absence of any prior mental illness, adopt and share the delusional beliefs of the dominant person.
The delusion experienced in a folie à trois can take various forms, such as paranoia, grandiosity, or persecution. The shared delusional content typically revolves around a common theme, which can be influenced by the dominant party's pathological beliefs and may include conspiracies, supernatural phenomena, or religious convictions.
Folie à trois is often associated with emotional and psychological dependencies, such as familial relationships or close friendships, where the dominant person holds a position of authority or influence over the secondary parties. Shared psychosis can have severe consequences on the affected individuals' lives, leading to noticeable deterioration in their social, occupational, and personal functioning.
Treatment for folie à trois usually involves separation of the individuals involved, as well as individual therapy, psychoeducation, and sometimes medication to address any underlying mental health conditions. A comprehensive and multidimensional approach is necessary to address the unique challenges presented by this shared psychotic disorder.
